I think just about every house has that odd element that makes you want to throw your hands up in the air because you have NO idea how to deal with it! With these clients it was their fireplace. While most of the house was beautifully remodeled, the existing fireplace left a big “?” in their minds. While they loved the Fixer Upper farmhouse look, this fireplace was a remnant of the mid-century modern leftover. Plus it had some strange niches, and the fireplace was offset to the side.
So how do you deal with these strange elements without the expensive cost to demo it and start over?
I gave this couple a “Now” solution that they could do immediately with minimal cost.
and
I also gave them a “Future” solution when they have a bit more time and money.
But both options keep the existing fireplace while transforming it to fit their style. I recently created an entire Rustic Farmhouse/Fixer Upper look for this entire room. If you want to see the complete makeover find it HERE!
Here is the existing:
They recently moved in and wanted to get settled as soon as possible. Plus they didn’t have the budget to gut the space. With just four simple elements this is a “Now” Solution to help minimize the odd layout.
Adding a rustic beam over the fireplace (which she had just found) gives substance to the TV area. Plus it adds in the rustic farmhouse look they were going for. The fireplace is offset which threw off the proportions. I suggested adding a tobacco basket to add charm. Underneath I added a simple wood & metal bench from Target and a few buffalo check pillows (just $9 each!). These not only add a cottage look, but it helps balance out the fireplace. Additionally it takes the focus off the tiny door and arched opening. Finally, I recommended NOT adding anything to the shelf-it would just draw attention to it.
But someday they might be ready for a larger project. This is an idea for a “Future” mini project. This is still a low-cost solution and totally do-able. This rendering is from The Lettered Cottage where she gave a cottage look to another mid-century modern fireplace. I thought this idea would work perfectly for them:
By adding white vertical battens over the brick, it adds a cottage farmhouse look. I suggested keeping the whitewashed brick around the fireplace and as the hearth, similar to in this rendering. Adding the additional elements from the “Now” fireplace will complete the charming look!
This additional Mood Board I created for them shows the tobacco basket, bench, and pillows. If you are looking for your own basket try sources like Craigslist and Etsy. I snagged my own on Craiglist…it was meant to be when I found a basket stamped with my maiden name!
Need more ideas for turning your fireplace into something more farmhouse?
Add these touches to cover up an ugly fireplace:
BHG
No matter what your budget, you CAN have beautiful design. I have designed rooms from $1000 to $20,000 and all are chock full of good design. Let me know how I can help you! Email me and you can tell me more about YOUR room:
Stay tuned next week for the final installation of this Fixer Upper style makeover, where I tackle their sunroom:
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